St. Petersburg Preservation rebrands as Preserve the ‘Burg

40th anniversary event on Jan. 30 will unveil new brand for the organization, while presenting exhibits and a panel discussion to highlight preservation efforts in the city

St. Petersburg, Fla. (January 17, 2018) — After 40 years as St. Petersburg Preservation, the organization is changing its name to Preserve the ‘Burg, reflecting its active role in promoting historic preservation efforts as the city continues to grow and evolve.

The new name turns the popular motto for the organization into its official name, tied to a vibrant rebrand developed by the creative team at St. Petersburg-based marketing and advertising firm Pyper Young. “The name modernizes this historically grassroots organization with a vital call to action for it to be the authority on preservation for the City,” said Kelly Pyper, President of Pyper Young.

The agency led the rebrand after an extensive process that included research, interviews with board members, and surveys of the organization’s membership.

“Our new brand mirrors how we are working to take proactive, positive steps to preserve the historic charm of our city,” said Emily Elwyn, President of Preserve the ‘Burg. “New people are moving here every day because of the city’s character, and our goal is to preserve that sense of place, working with government officials, planners, real estate professionals, and residents.”

The new brand will be unveiled at a Jan. 30 event at NOVA 535 in St. Petersburg from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Reflecting the organization’s 40th anniversary, the event will feature stories about how the organization’s work over its 40-year history have made a difference in the look and feel of St. Petersburg.

The event, which will include remarks from St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, will also feature a panel discussion about preservation efforts past, present and future. The panel will include:

• Tim Clemmons, Principal of Mesh Architecture;
• Darden Rice, member of St. Petersburg City Council;
• Dr. Ray Arsenault, John Hope Franklin Professor of Southern History, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg;
• Natalie Pruitt Judge, of the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Foundation;
• Keisha Bell, JD, Attorney and City of St. Petersburg Community Preservation and Planning Commission member.

The discussion, moderated by Kyle Parks, Principal of St. Petersburg-based B2 Communications, will focus on how preservation efforts in the city have succeeded in the past, lessons that can be taken from those successes, and what the future holds as St. Petersburg’s growth creates ever-increasing challenges in maintaining our sense of place.

Tickets to the event at NOVA 535, located at 535 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N in downtown St. Petersburg, can be purchased for $20 (SPP members) and $25 (non-members) at the organization’s website, stpetepreservation.org.

About Preserve the ‘Burg:
Since 1977, Preserve the ‘Burg (formerly known as St. Petersburg Preservation), has been working to secure the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, maintenance, and/or acquisition of important natural, scenic, historic, and architectural sites and structures. Preserve the ‘Burg accomplishes this by working with the City, County, businesses and residents to identify historic districts and sites, landmark significant structures, and foster appreciation of St. Petersburg’s historic environment. And no matter what projects the organization undertakes, the overarching goal is to instill in St. Petersburg’s citizens an appreciation of our shared heritage and culture and how this contributes to our quality of life and economic success. Learn more at stpetepreservation.org.